Nebraska faces Ohio State Saturday night at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, the 5-0 12th ranked Buckeyes face the 4-1 21st ranked Huskers in a game that will be televised on ABC with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m.
Ohio State is coached by Urban Meyer, in his first year in Columbus. Meyer has had great success while at Utah and has won two National Championships while formerly the head coach at Florida. He can be seen as brash by many fans, but when you have the success Meyer has had it cannot be denied he is one of the top coaches in all of college football.
Meyer is known for his spread offense, orchestrated by quarterback Braxton Miller (6-foot-2, 220 Pounds, Sophomore). Miller is an exceptional runner that can buy time in the passing game with his ability to avoid the rush. He averages 115 yards rushing per game with seven touchdowns. Miller also passes for over 186 yards per game completing 62.8 percent of his passes (76 of 121) with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He is the epicenter of the Ohio State offense. Miller will do some damage to the Nebraska defense at some point in the game. He accounted for nearly 75 percent of the offense in last week's win over Michigan State.
The running game has other issues at this time. Jordan Hall (5-9, 194, Sr.) has had injury concerns and is questionable for the game. Carlos Hyde (6-0, 232, Jr.) is a more physical back that has less speed than Hall. Hyde and Hall (if he plays) must be held in check for the Big Red to win. As a team, the Buckeyes average 224 yards rushing per game, most of it with the talents of Miller handling the football.
Ohio State has three receivers that are threats in the passing game. Corey Brown (better known as Philly) at 6 feet, 187 pounds, the junior leads the team with 32 receptions. Devin Smith (6-1, 200, So.) is the big-play receiver averaging 18.5 yards on his 19 grabs this season. Jake Stoneburner (6-5, 245, Sr.) is also a favorite target for Miller. Stoneburner's size makes him a matchup issue for many defensive backs and linebackers as well.
The Buckeyes average over 6-5 and 308 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The starting tackles are both very impressive. On the left side Jack Mewort (6-6, 312, Jr.) is solid while on the right side Reid Fragel (6-8, 310, Sr.) is an imposing force. The line does not have to be great because of the escape ability that Miller possesses.
On defense the Buckeyes are strong in their front seven. Johnathan Hankins (6-3, 322, Jr.) can dominate as a run stopper at his tackle spot.Nose tackle Garrett Goebel (6-4, 290, Sr.) is a solid presence as well. The Huskers will have to be able to run the ball outside against that stalwart interior defense. The linebackers are led by Storm Klein (6-2, 242, Sr.) in the middle and Etienne Sabino (6-3, 237, Sr.) on the outside. Corner back Travis Howard (6-1, 200, Sr.) paces the secondary with three interceptions. The defense gives up some yards in the passing game and that would appear to be an a area the Nebraska offense can attack.
Special teams have been only adequate for Ohio State.Smith and Brown handle punt and kick returns for Ohio State wth few big plays so far this season. Kicker Drew Basil (6-1, 210, Jr.) is only 2-for-2 on field goals with a long of 26 yards, while punter Ben Buchanan (5-11, 192, Sr.) averages just over 41 yards per punt and has had one blocked this season.
Nebraska will have to play very well to win on the road. Miller is a great talent and has a solid defense as well. The Buckeyes love the friendly confines of the Horseshoe. I think home field makes the key difference in a 31-20 Ohio State win over Nebraska Saturday night.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Nebraska to Roll Idaho State Bengals
Nebraska takes on the Idaho State Bengals Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network with kickoff set for 2:35 p.m.
Idaho State, coached by Dan Kramer is 1-1 on the season. The Bengals play in front of crowds that average 6,000 people at home. Members of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) they beat the juggernaut of Black Hill State (South Dakota) last week 38-5.They lost at Air Force in their season opener.
Idaho State will pass the ball all over the place. They average over 60 passes a game and 443 yards through the air each week. Quarterback Kevin Yost (6-foot-1, 195 Pounds, Senior) is 81 of 109 (74.3 percent) passing for 809 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. He is not a threat running ball at all.
The Bengals are undersized compared to Nebraska at every spot on both offense and defense. The most talented group are the receivers for Idaho State. Derek Graves (6-0, 175, Sr.) has an unbelievable 30 catches in two games. He averages only nine yards per reception as part of the Bengals quick short passing game. Josh Hill (6-5, 229, Sr.) leads the team with two touchdown catches from his tight end spot. The other main weapon is Cam Richmond (6-2, 195, Jr.) with 20 grabs in 2012.The receivers are good, but the depth and talent of the Husker secondary will keep the Bengals under control.
Idaho State does not run the ball a lot, mostly using screen passes as an extension of their running game. Freshman Xavier Finney (5-11, 205) is the man man carrying the ball with 49 yards per game and three touchdowns on the season.
The offensive line is truly the smallest Nebraska has faced in many years. From tackle to tackle the Bengals average just over 6-3 and only 276 pounds per man. Right guard Mark Clampitt (6-2, 283, Sr.) is the leader of a unit that Nebraska has a major advantage over in this game. The Huskers third team defensive lineman and below should see some significant playing time in this game.
Defensively, Idaho State lines up in a 3-4 defensive look. As a team the Bengals give up over 292 yards rushing per game and just 121 yards through the air. Mitch Beckstead (6-0, 227, So.) leads the team with 19 tackles as a weakside linebacker. Nose tackle Austin Graves (6-2, 245, So.) has 2.5 sacks and linebacker Demetrious Allen (5-11, 217, So) also has two sacks this season. The defense will be chasing the Big Red offense all afternoon on Saturday.
On special teams, Idaho State does not really stand out. Punter C. J. Reyes (5-7, 190, So.) averages over 45 yards per punt. Kicker Brendon Garcia (5-11, 150, Jr.) has not been impressive early in the 2012 season. Idaho State has not shown much big play ability in the return game this season as well.
Simply Nebraska is a better football team than Idaho State. The Huskers are more talented at every position on the field than the Bengals. The Huskers will be able to stop Idaho State with ease and score at will. This is a game where the Nebraska reserves will see almost all the action in the second half. Look for Nebraska to dominate all parts of the game in a 59-20 win over Idaho State.
Idaho State, coached by Dan Kramer is 1-1 on the season. The Bengals play in front of crowds that average 6,000 people at home. Members of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) they beat the juggernaut of Black Hill State (South Dakota) last week 38-5.They lost at Air Force in their season opener.
Idaho State will pass the ball all over the place. They average over 60 passes a game and 443 yards through the air each week. Quarterback Kevin Yost (6-foot-1, 195 Pounds, Senior) is 81 of 109 (74.3 percent) passing for 809 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. He is not a threat running ball at all.
The Bengals are undersized compared to Nebraska at every spot on both offense and defense. The most talented group are the receivers for Idaho State. Derek Graves (6-0, 175, Sr.) has an unbelievable 30 catches in two games. He averages only nine yards per reception as part of the Bengals quick short passing game. Josh Hill (6-5, 229, Sr.) leads the team with two touchdown catches from his tight end spot. The other main weapon is Cam Richmond (6-2, 195, Jr.) with 20 grabs in 2012.The receivers are good, but the depth and talent of the Husker secondary will keep the Bengals under control.
Idaho State does not run the ball a lot, mostly using screen passes as an extension of their running game. Freshman Xavier Finney (5-11, 205) is the man man carrying the ball with 49 yards per game and three touchdowns on the season.
The offensive line is truly the smallest Nebraska has faced in many years. From tackle to tackle the Bengals average just over 6-3 and only 276 pounds per man. Right guard Mark Clampitt (6-2, 283, Sr.) is the leader of a unit that Nebraska has a major advantage over in this game. The Huskers third team defensive lineman and below should see some significant playing time in this game.
Defensively, Idaho State lines up in a 3-4 defensive look. As a team the Bengals give up over 292 yards rushing per game and just 121 yards through the air. Mitch Beckstead (6-0, 227, So.) leads the team with 19 tackles as a weakside linebacker. Nose tackle Austin Graves (6-2, 245, So.) has 2.5 sacks and linebacker Demetrious Allen (5-11, 217, So) also has two sacks this season. The defense will be chasing the Big Red offense all afternoon on Saturday.
On special teams, Idaho State does not really stand out. Punter C. J. Reyes (5-7, 190, So.) averages over 45 yards per punt. Kicker Brendon Garcia (5-11, 150, Jr.) has not been impressive early in the 2012 season. Idaho State has not shown much big play ability in the return game this season as well.
Simply Nebraska is a better football team than Idaho State. The Huskers are more talented at every position on the field than the Bengals. The Huskers will be able to stop Idaho State with ease and score at will. This is a game where the Nebraska reserves will see almost all the action in the second half. Look for Nebraska to dominate all parts of the game in a 59-20 win over Idaho State.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Nebraska to Win Wild Game With Red Wolves
Nebraska gets started early Saturday morning with an 11:05 kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln against Arkansas State.
Both teams come into the ESPN2 televised game with a 1-1 record. The Red Wolves are coached by Gus Malzahn, the former offensive coordinator at Auburn when the Tigers won the National Championship in 2010.
Arkansas State can move the football, with 575 yards per game, including 303 per contest passing and 272 rushing. An up-tempo, no-huddle offense is orchestrated by quarterback Ryan Aplin (6-foot-1, 199 Pounds, Senior).Aplin completes 59.7 percent of his passes (52 of 87) with four touchdowns and one interception this season. He is a former Nebraska recruit that can also run the ball, averaging 55 yards rushing. His dual threat talents will hurt the Husker defense at times today. He will spread Nebraska out and throw the ball all over the field.
The running game is led by David Oku, (5-10, 199, Jr.) averaging 105 yards per game on the ground with one touchdown. Frankie Jackson (5-9, 197, So.) also sees some time at running back. The small backs are quick and elusive, very good on draw plays out of the shotgun spread formation.
The Red Wolves will almost always have four or five receivers on the field offensively. Josh Jarobe (6-3, 198, Sr. leads the team with 19 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman J.D. McKissic (5-10, 184) is second with 12 receptions this season. Julian Jones (6-0, 190, Jr.) is the deep threat with big-play speed. The passing game will throw a lot of underneath passes trying to get mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties in pass coverage..
The offensive line averages 6-3 and 300 pounds from tackle to tackle.Center Eric Allen (6-1, 291, Sr.) and right tackle Zack McKnight (6-4, 300, Sr.) lead the way. This offensive line will use wide spaces similar to what Texas Tech did under Mike Leach to also create running lanes for the backs.. This group does not have to protect for a long time because Aplin moves well and releases the ball quickly.
The Red Wolves defense gives up yards and points in bunches. Middle linebacker Nathan Herrold (6+3, 235, Sr.) paces the team with 20 total tackles and a forced fumble. He is the heart and soul of the defense. This season Arkansas State is allowing 42.5 points and 449 yards per game. The defense gives up 231 yards per game passing and 218 on the ground. The defensive line has a big run stopper in tackle Ryan Carrethers (6-2, 310, Jr.), while the small secondary is led by cornerback Chaz Scales (5-9, 167, Sr.) with one interception this season. The defense of Arkansas State is much less powerful than the solid offensive group.
In the kicking game Brian Davis (5-11, 182, Jr.) is 4-of-6 (66.7 percent) on field goals with a long of 43 yards. Punter Neely Sullivent (6-0, 195, Sr.)averages 38.4 yards per punt with one kick blocked this season. Oku and Rocky Hayes (5-10, 177, Fr.) both are solid kick returners. Hayes is a defensive back that may also get a few carries in the offensive backfield. McKissic handles the punt returns.
Nebraska is reeling in all facets of the game right now. This game could shape up like the 2007 NU-Ball State game won by the Big Red 41-40 that signaled the beginning of the end for Bill Callahan at Nebraska. This game will be a test, but I think Nebraska will find a way to win over Arkansas State. The Red Wolves have talent on offense to keep the game in doubt to the fourth quarter. I like Nebraska to win today by a score of 45-30.
Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
Both teams come into the ESPN2 televised game with a 1-1 record. The Red Wolves are coached by Gus Malzahn, the former offensive coordinator at Auburn when the Tigers won the National Championship in 2010.
Arkansas State can move the football, with 575 yards per game, including 303 per contest passing and 272 rushing. An up-tempo, no-huddle offense is orchestrated by quarterback Ryan Aplin (6-foot-1, 199 Pounds, Senior).Aplin completes 59.7 percent of his passes (52 of 87) with four touchdowns and one interception this season. He is a former Nebraska recruit that can also run the ball, averaging 55 yards rushing. His dual threat talents will hurt the Husker defense at times today. He will spread Nebraska out and throw the ball all over the field.
The running game is led by David Oku, (5-10, 199, Jr.) averaging 105 yards per game on the ground with one touchdown. Frankie Jackson (5-9, 197, So.) also sees some time at running back. The small backs are quick and elusive, very good on draw plays out of the shotgun spread formation.
The Red Wolves will almost always have four or five receivers on the field offensively. Josh Jarobe (6-3, 198, Sr. leads the team with 19 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman J.D. McKissic (5-10, 184) is second with 12 receptions this season. Julian Jones (6-0, 190, Jr.) is the deep threat with big-play speed. The passing game will throw a lot of underneath passes trying to get mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties in pass coverage..
The offensive line averages 6-3 and 300 pounds from tackle to tackle.Center Eric Allen (6-1, 291, Sr.) and right tackle Zack McKnight (6-4, 300, Sr.) lead the way. This offensive line will use wide spaces similar to what Texas Tech did under Mike Leach to also create running lanes for the backs.. This group does not have to protect for a long time because Aplin moves well and releases the ball quickly.
The Red Wolves defense gives up yards and points in bunches. Middle linebacker Nathan Herrold (6+3, 235, Sr.) paces the team with 20 total tackles and a forced fumble. He is the heart and soul of the defense. This season Arkansas State is allowing 42.5 points and 449 yards per game. The defense gives up 231 yards per game passing and 218 on the ground. The defensive line has a big run stopper in tackle Ryan Carrethers (6-2, 310, Jr.), while the small secondary is led by cornerback Chaz Scales (5-9, 167, Sr.) with one interception this season. The defense of Arkansas State is much less powerful than the solid offensive group.
In the kicking game Brian Davis (5-11, 182, Jr.) is 4-of-6 (66.7 percent) on field goals with a long of 43 yards. Punter Neely Sullivent (6-0, 195, Sr.)averages 38.4 yards per punt with one kick blocked this season. Oku and Rocky Hayes (5-10, 177, Fr.) both are solid kick returners. Hayes is a defensive back that may also get a few carries in the offensive backfield. McKissic handles the punt returns.
Nebraska is reeling in all facets of the game right now. This game could shape up like the 2007 NU-Ball State game won by the Big Red 41-40 that signaled the beginning of the end for Bill Callahan at Nebraska. This game will be a test, but I think Nebraska will find a way to win over Arkansas State. The Red Wolves have talent on offense to keep the game in doubt to the fourth quarter. I like Nebraska to win today by a score of 45-30.
Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Nebraska to Win a Road Test at UCLA
Nebraska returns to action Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California where the 16th ranked Cornhuskers face the UCLA Bruins. Both teams are 1-0 on the season. UCLA defeated Rice 49-24 last week in Houston, while the Big Red rolled over Southern Mississippi in Lincoln last week by a 49-20 count. The game will be nationally televised on the Fox Network with kickoff set for 6:35 p.m. CDT.
UCLA is coached by Jim Mora Jr., whose father was a successful coach in the United States Football League and National Football League. The younger Mora was the head coach of both the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks before taking the UCLA job after last season. He is known for being a strong defensive minded coach.
The Bruins were impressive last week offensively, although Rice over the last several years has been one of the bottom defensive teams in the country. Rice has been ranked in the bottom twenty defensive teams in the nation the last decade.
Quarterback Brett Hundley (6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Freshman) was the offensive catalyst for the Bruins last week, passing for 202 yards on 21 of 28 passes (75 percent) with two touchdowns and one interception. Hundley also ran for 79 yards and had a 72-yard touchdown dash against Rice. He has the tools to cause problems for Nebraska, but the Husker defense will have some surprises in store for Hundley because of his inexperience.
UCLA ran for 368 yards against the bad Rice defense but will certainly be a challenge for the defense of Nebraska. Johnathan Franklin (5-11, 195, Sr.) ran for 218 yards and three scores last week. He is talented but the Blackshirts will slow Franklin down considerably. James Jordon (5-8, 193, So.) and Damien Thigpen (5-8, 178, Jr.) also catch the ball well out of the backfield.
The passing game was effective last week for UCLA. The Bruins will pass more down the field than Nebraska saw against Southern Mississippi. The key man to contain is tight end Joseph Fauria (6-7, 255, Sr.). Fauria is a physical presence that the Huskers will have to account for in the passing game. The top wide receivers were not a major part of UCLA's passing attack last week.
The Bruins have a very young offensive line. Three freshmen and a sophomore start up front for UCLA. the leader is right guard Jeff Baca (6-3, 295, Sr.). Watch right tackle Simon Goines (6-7, 324, Fr.) to be a rising star. As a unit UCLA averages over 6-4 and nearly 299 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The Husker defensive front has a major edge in experience in this matchup.
Defensively, UCLA employs a 3-4 look. They gave up 358 yards last week against Rice, with 174 yards rushing and 184 yards passing. Defensive end Datone Jones (6-4, 275, Sr.) is the best playmaker up front while Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6-3, 270, Jr.) was a prized recruit that picked UCLA over Nebraska two years ago.
The top linebacker for the Bruins is Damien Holmes (6-2, 250, Sr. He needs to keep UCLA in the right alignments if the Bruins are to contain the Husker offense. Eric Kendricks (6-0, 230, So.) paced UCLA with 11 tacles last week against Rice. Cornerback Sheldon Price (6-2, 180, Sr.) had an interception last week and has the most physical skills in the UCLA defensive backfield.
The Bruins were almost as poor in special teams last week as Nebraska was. Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (6-0, 171, Fr.) had three extra points blocked last week. Punter Jeff Locke 6-0, 207, Sr.) averaged 43.7 yards per punt last week and handles kickoffs. Freshman Steven Manfro (5-9, 192) looks to be a threat as a kick returner for UCLA.
Nebraska will be tested on the road by UCLA, but the Huskers have a much more veteran team than the Bruins. I the Huskers limit their mistakes I look for the Huskers to post a 35-24 victory in the Rose Bowl over UCLA.
Look for my post game comments early Sunday and thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
UCLA is coached by Jim Mora Jr., whose father was a successful coach in the United States Football League and National Football League. The younger Mora was the head coach of both the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks before taking the UCLA job after last season. He is known for being a strong defensive minded coach.
The Bruins were impressive last week offensively, although Rice over the last several years has been one of the bottom defensive teams in the country. Rice has been ranked in the bottom twenty defensive teams in the nation the last decade.
Quarterback Brett Hundley (6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Freshman) was the offensive catalyst for the Bruins last week, passing for 202 yards on 21 of 28 passes (75 percent) with two touchdowns and one interception. Hundley also ran for 79 yards and had a 72-yard touchdown dash against Rice. He has the tools to cause problems for Nebraska, but the Husker defense will have some surprises in store for Hundley because of his inexperience.
UCLA ran for 368 yards against the bad Rice defense but will certainly be a challenge for the defense of Nebraska. Johnathan Franklin (5-11, 195, Sr.) ran for 218 yards and three scores last week. He is talented but the Blackshirts will slow Franklin down considerably. James Jordon (5-8, 193, So.) and Damien Thigpen (5-8, 178, Jr.) also catch the ball well out of the backfield.
The passing game was effective last week for UCLA. The Bruins will pass more down the field than Nebraska saw against Southern Mississippi. The key man to contain is tight end Joseph Fauria (6-7, 255, Sr.). Fauria is a physical presence that the Huskers will have to account for in the passing game. The top wide receivers were not a major part of UCLA's passing attack last week.
The Bruins have a very young offensive line. Three freshmen and a sophomore start up front for UCLA. the leader is right guard Jeff Baca (6-3, 295, Sr.). Watch right tackle Simon Goines (6-7, 324, Fr.) to be a rising star. As a unit UCLA averages over 6-4 and nearly 299 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The Husker defensive front has a major edge in experience in this matchup.
Defensively, UCLA employs a 3-4 look. They gave up 358 yards last week against Rice, with 174 yards rushing and 184 yards passing. Defensive end Datone Jones (6-4, 275, Sr.) is the best playmaker up front while Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6-3, 270, Jr.) was a prized recruit that picked UCLA over Nebraska two years ago.
The top linebacker for the Bruins is Damien Holmes (6-2, 250, Sr. He needs to keep UCLA in the right alignments if the Bruins are to contain the Husker offense. Eric Kendricks (6-0, 230, So.) paced UCLA with 11 tacles last week against Rice. Cornerback Sheldon Price (6-2, 180, Sr.) had an interception last week and has the most physical skills in the UCLA defensive backfield.
The Bruins were almost as poor in special teams last week as Nebraska was. Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (6-0, 171, Fr.) had three extra points blocked last week. Punter Jeff Locke 6-0, 207, Sr.) averaged 43.7 yards per punt last week and handles kickoffs. Freshman Steven Manfro (5-9, 192) looks to be a threat as a kick returner for UCLA.
Nebraska will be tested on the road by UCLA, but the Huskers have a much more veteran team than the Bruins. I the Huskers limit their mistakes I look for the Huskers to post a 35-24 victory in the Rose Bowl over UCLA.
Look for my post game comments early Sunday and thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
I am back!
Well, after the trials and tribulations of having the post fail last week I am back to follow the Huskers. Anyone who knows me knows how much it hurt not to have my preview available and thanks to the many of you that wanted to see my thoughts. (Just for the record my prediction was Nebraska 27, Southern Mississippi 17.
The preview for the UCLA game will be out on Wednesday and I hope you enjoy it.
My apologies for last week and I hope you enjoy the preview tomorrow.
The preview for the UCLA game will be out on Wednesday and I hope you enjoy it.
My apologies for last week and I hope you enjoy the preview tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Nebraska Loses Composure and The Capital One Bowl
What's in your wallet? If you are a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, not the Capital One Bowl trophy that is for sure. South Carolina took Nebraska apart as the Big Red lost their cool and the game by a score of 30-13.
The game was eerily similar to the Wisconsin loss. Nebraska played well for a quarter and a half, then the wheels fell off. The Huskers showed an offensive line with no depth and little fundamentals. The best defensive back made an error in judgement that did not help matters any. Penalties thwarted any chance of a comeback in the second half. Then the defense tired out and the game was over.
Nebraska loses its best two players on defense (three if you count Jared Crick), the line on both sides must drastically improve while the rest of the Big Ten (except maybe Penn State) is as good or better in 2012. The safeties are slow and do not wrap up on tackles. The offensive line broke down like a 1926 Ford in 2012 with never having an oil change. The team needs an infusion of speed and power if they are ever going to be a top ten team again.
South Carolina was not a great team, but Nebraska played poorly. Personally I am also disappointed in the people that chose the receiver from South Carolina as the Most Valuable Player after he was ejected.
This was a disappointing effort Nebraska. No Excuses in 2012. Get the Job Done.
Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
The game was eerily similar to the Wisconsin loss. Nebraska played well for a quarter and a half, then the wheels fell off. The Huskers showed an offensive line with no depth and little fundamentals. The best defensive back made an error in judgement that did not help matters any. Penalties thwarted any chance of a comeback in the second half. Then the defense tired out and the game was over.
Nebraska loses its best two players on defense (three if you count Jared Crick), the line on both sides must drastically improve while the rest of the Big Ten (except maybe Penn State) is as good or better in 2012. The safeties are slow and do not wrap up on tackles. The offensive line broke down like a 1926 Ford in 2012 with never having an oil change. The team needs an infusion of speed and power if they are ever going to be a top ten team again.
South Carolina was not a great team, but Nebraska played poorly. Personally I am also disappointed in the people that chose the receiver from South Carolina as the Most Valuable Player after he was ejected.
This was a disappointing effort Nebraska. No Excuses in 2012. Get the Job Done.
Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Nebraska Closes the Season in the Capital One Bowl
Monday Nebraska faces South Carolina in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando Florida. The Gamecocks are 10-2 on the year and ranked ninth in the Associated Press poll, while the Huskers are 9-3 and ranked 20th. The game is set to kickoff at noon and will be televised nationally by ESPN.
South Carolina is a great defensive team. That is different than most casual fans would think, especially with wide open passing attack guru Steve Spurrier as the coach of South Carolina. The Gamecocks are the number two passing defense in the country and one of the top overall defensive units in the nation. As a team South Carolina allows 18.8 points per game, 135.9 yards rushing per contest and only 133 yards per game through the air.
South Carolina is strongest on their defense up front. Two defensive ends merit special attention. Melvin Ingram (6-foot-2, 276 pounds, Senior) is an All-American. He has 44 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses and 8.5 sacks this season. Freshman Jadevon Clowney (6-6, 254) is a budding star that is a tremendous speed rusher. A Husker offensive line that has been decimated by injuries will need to play extremely well for the Big Red to move the football and protect Taylor Martinez. Strong side linebacker Antonio Allen (6-2, 202, Sr.) leads the team with 81 total tackles. He also has had 8.5 tackles for loss and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Middle linebacker Shaq Wilson (5-11, 223, Jr.) is a good leader with excellent quickness. Free safety D.J. Swearinger (5-11, 208, Jr.) is second on the squad with 73 total tackles and also has three pickoffs this season. This defense has a good mix of size with speed that makes them one of the best defensive units Nebraska has seen in the Bo Pelini era.
Offensively, the Gamecocks are a balanced team. South Carolina averages just over 30 points per game, The Gamecocks rush for 198 yards per contest and throw for 177 more. Connor Shaw (6-1, 204, So.) has stepped up this season to be an impressive runner and thrower. Shaw averages almost 54 yards per game on the ground with seven touchdowns. Through the air he completes 65.5 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He is gaining confidence after being effective this year in the Southeastern Conference.
Freshman Brandon Wilds (6-1, 223) has stepped up after Marcus Lattimore got hurt midway through the season and is out for Monday's game. The Huskers will need to keep Shaw from hurting the Blackshirts with his running ability. If that happens the Big Red can win this game.
South Carolina has a star in receiver in Alshon Jeffery (6-4, 229, Jr.). He has great physical size. On the season he has 45 catches for 614 yards and seven touchdowns. It will be the job of Alfonzo Dennard to shut him down. Ace Sanders (5-7, 175, So.) is a small receiver that compliments Jeffery. Sanders is second on the team with 26 catches this season. The passing game is improving, but Nebraska has the talent to keep the Gamecocks offense under wraps.
On special teams, Sanders is the best return man for South Carolina. Kicker Jay Wooten (6-3, 204, Sr.) is 7-of-10 on field goals with a long of 49 yards. He is 46-of-49 on extra points. Punter Joey Scribner-Howard (6-0, 210, Sr.) averages less than 39 yards per punt. Nebraska appears to have at least a slight edge in the kicking game.
Nebraska faces a talented defense with an offense that does just enough for South Carolina. This will be a close game that will come down to turnovers, field position and defensive play.Nebraska can win, but the Gamecocks defense will make it tough for the Big Red. I look for South Carolina to top NU by a score of 23-17 in the Capital One Bowl on Monday. Thanks for reading going Deep With Doze and check for my commentary after the game as well.
South Carolina is a great defensive team. That is different than most casual fans would think, especially with wide open passing attack guru Steve Spurrier as the coach of South Carolina. The Gamecocks are the number two passing defense in the country and one of the top overall defensive units in the nation. As a team South Carolina allows 18.8 points per game, 135.9 yards rushing per contest and only 133 yards per game through the air.
South Carolina is strongest on their defense up front. Two defensive ends merit special attention. Melvin Ingram (6-foot-2, 276 pounds, Senior) is an All-American. He has 44 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses and 8.5 sacks this season. Freshman Jadevon Clowney (6-6, 254) is a budding star that is a tremendous speed rusher. A Husker offensive line that has been decimated by injuries will need to play extremely well for the Big Red to move the football and protect Taylor Martinez. Strong side linebacker Antonio Allen (6-2, 202, Sr.) leads the team with 81 total tackles. He also has had 8.5 tackles for loss and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Middle linebacker Shaq Wilson (5-11, 223, Jr.) is a good leader with excellent quickness. Free safety D.J. Swearinger (5-11, 208, Jr.) is second on the squad with 73 total tackles and also has three pickoffs this season. This defense has a good mix of size with speed that makes them one of the best defensive units Nebraska has seen in the Bo Pelini era.
Offensively, the Gamecocks are a balanced team. South Carolina averages just over 30 points per game, The Gamecocks rush for 198 yards per contest and throw for 177 more. Connor Shaw (6-1, 204, So.) has stepped up this season to be an impressive runner and thrower. Shaw averages almost 54 yards per game on the ground with seven touchdowns. Through the air he completes 65.5 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He is gaining confidence after being effective this year in the Southeastern Conference.
Freshman Brandon Wilds (6-1, 223) has stepped up after Marcus Lattimore got hurt midway through the season and is out for Monday's game. The Huskers will need to keep Shaw from hurting the Blackshirts with his running ability. If that happens the Big Red can win this game.
South Carolina has a star in receiver in Alshon Jeffery (6-4, 229, Jr.). He has great physical size. On the season he has 45 catches for 614 yards and seven touchdowns. It will be the job of Alfonzo Dennard to shut him down. Ace Sanders (5-7, 175, So.) is a small receiver that compliments Jeffery. Sanders is second on the team with 26 catches this season. The passing game is improving, but Nebraska has the talent to keep the Gamecocks offense under wraps.
On special teams, Sanders is the best return man for South Carolina. Kicker Jay Wooten (6-3, 204, Sr.) is 7-of-10 on field goals with a long of 49 yards. He is 46-of-49 on extra points. Punter Joey Scribner-Howard (6-0, 210, Sr.) averages less than 39 yards per punt. Nebraska appears to have at least a slight edge in the kicking game.
Nebraska faces a talented defense with an offense that does just enough for South Carolina. This will be a close game that will come down to turnovers, field position and defensive play.Nebraska can win, but the Gamecocks defense will make it tough for the Big Red. I look for South Carolina to top NU by a score of 23-17 in the Capital One Bowl on Monday. Thanks for reading going Deep With Doze and check for my commentary after the game as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)